White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced on his Instagram page tonight that he will be starting treatment Monday for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“Hearing the word ’cancer’ came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life,” Hendriks wrote. “My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
White Sox GM Rick Hahn also released a statement on behalf of the team: “Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player. I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy. We do not expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”
Hendriks celebrates his 34th birthday in February, and the native of Perth, Australia is coming off his third All-Star season. Beginning his big league career with the Twins in 2011, it took Hendriks until 2015 (as a member of the Blue Jays) to really break out, which kicked off a run of four solid but unspectacular seasons of bullpen work. In 2019, however, Hendriks took things to another level, as he has emerged as one of the game’s best closers after posting a 2.26 ERA, 38.8% strikeout rate, and 5.1% walk rate over 239 innings since start of the 2019 campaign.
All three of Hendriks’ All-Star selections have come in that dominant four-year stretch, and it led to a big free agent payday during the 2020-21 offseason. Hendriks is two seasons into a three-year, $54MM deal with the White Sox that includes a unique $15MM club option for 2024 that also carries a $15MM buyout (which would be covered in deferred payments if the Sox did decline the option).
Beyond his success on the field, Hendriks is also a widely popular player, beloved by teammates and fans alike. Today’s news has already started an outpouring of support for Hendriks on social media, and we at MLB Trade Rumors join the rest of the baseball world in wishing him a full recovery.
Hahn’s statement provided some rough idea of a timeline for how long Hendriks might be sidelined, though obviously the situation is very fluid. Pitching is naturally just about the last thing on Hendriks’ mind at the moment, and for the White Sox as well, simply getting their friend and teammate healthy is infinitely more important than roster impact.
There is no easy way to replace Hendriks in Chicago’s bullpen, as while Kendall Graveman is probably the likeliest candidate to step in as closer, bumping everyone up the depth chart leaves the White Sox relief corps thinner as a whole. There had been some trade buzz surrounding Hendriks earlier this winter, as the Mets and other teams had interest in adding a high-end reliever, and there was some thought that the White Sox could move Hendriks (and his contract) as a way to address other roster needs without expanding the budget.
Good luck man
It has a high cure rate if caught early. A friend of mine was diagnosed 20 years back and is still working and doing great. Hopefully this is an early diagnosis and he’ll be back pitching again.
Low grade NHL is very hard to “cure” and typically comes back in the patient’s lifetime. High grade is easier to “cure” and does not typically come back.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which I had, has a 90% cure rate in “younger patients” and is still above 80% overall.
How scary! Good luck young man!
As if the Sox don’t have enough problems. Still it’s still very treatable and hopefully they caught it early. Rooting for you Liam! Not a great look for the Sox trying to trade him if somebody finds out they knew. But with their Medical Staff-Probably not.
Most likely he was diagnosed within the past week. They begin treatment almost immediately, and since he stated he’s about to start treatment, then that indicates a very recent diagnosis.
OMG. The White Sox did not try to trade him knowing he had cancer. What an irresponsible, flat out dumba$$ thing to say. Just stop.
You’re sure huh? The decision to try and trade him just kind of jumped up out of nowhere. He had 1 year left at 15 million and a buyout for next year which is pretty fair for an All Star Closer. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. I sincerely hope they didn’t. The Bad Vibes it would cause would be catastrophic.
Actually, yeah, I’m sure. They never tried to trade him or he would’ve been gone. They said they’d listen/be open-minded on trades. And, if you noticed, we haven’t heard anything in weeks. It’s been crickets. Like the other person said, you basically start treatment immediately so I don’t understand where you keep going with this. But I know, “catastrophic.” What an interesting story for you.
Before calling someone names, this article says the ChiSox were seeking trade partners a few weeks ago for Hendricks, I assumed UncleMike… was referring to this: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/12/mets-showing-trade-interest-in-liam-hendriks.html
Yeah Uncle Mike also said that the Sox somehow knew about the cancer and tried to trade him anyway. That’s the insane part. Good luck finding an article that proves that.
Yeah I’m sure the White Sox knew about the lymphoma before Hendricks, didn’t tell him, and tried to trade him instead of treating him. Makes sense.
You’re the reason MLBTR doesn’t let us comment on articles about domestic violence or anything controversial.
The mute button is a good thing, Unclemike. The morning trash needs to thrown out.
Either that or they won’t let us post about stuff domestic violence or anything conversing because this is a freaking baseball site
Reading is a skill. I never said that I thought the Sox knew about it. I only ever said ” I Hoped” they didn’t know and it WAS pretty much common knowledge that were trying to get offers for him which I thought was curious for a team that’s basically sat on it’s hands all off season. Especially for a team that is supposed to be trying to contend would out of the blue try to trade the one proven commodity they actually had. But go ahead and start your nauseating condemnation of me, But look in the mirror because you are doing the same thing to me that your accusing me of. Pretty hypocritical. Besides, The Sox medical staff is so incompetent they would probably have to take an X Ray of a broken leg if somebody came in with it sticking out of the skin. They are the most oft injured young team in the history of pro sports.
Keep digging deeper. It’s going really well so far… /s
You’re the one who’s digging. You’re trying to make something out of a nothing. It’s OK, I can take it. I’ll just keep throwing my dirt on top of you.
It literally says, first sentence, that the Sox were responding to the Mets call. They were listening to interest from other teams. Where again do you see “seeking trade partners?” Nice try.
When are corporate profits gonna be less important than a human life? Monsanto got any answers for us? I don’t care how treatable, your product is a known Carcinogen that people who work in lawn care are forced to handle without proper PPE, for what? A dandalionless lawn so the bees can suffer? Washoff so the coral reefs be bleaching? Non Hodgkins lymphoma so the doctors keep working? You run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinking racing around to come up behind you again? The sun is the same in a relative way but your older, shorter of breath one day closer to death
I’ll get off that soap box now,
Good luck Liam Hendricks
“When are corporate profits gonna be less important than a human life?” Enlisted men die for the glory of Officers, for political leverage and for corporate gain. The reality is “Never”.
Yes, please get off your soapbox. We have no idea what caused Hendriks’ lymphoma. The pursuit of profit is responsible for most of the world’s innovations. The only ones who don’t understand that are people who work for the government or academia – they think money just flows naturally.
Actually, innovation comes from the desire of the creator to make something. They don’t do it for money, they have passion for what they are creating. When something is made in “pursuit of profit” it usually means cost-cutting is involved in order to maximize said profit which leads to a subpar product.
So the peer-reviewed scientific studies that link pesticides to cancer are a bunch of hooey? Because academics “don’t understand” and should just go for profits? But you, random internet guy, know more than them and I should believe what you said.
All the best, good luck Liam, see you on the mound soon
My prayers are with him and his family.
I’ll pray for him!
Wow. Hope for a full recovery.
Pray for the man and his family.
You’re a warrior, Liam! You got this!
I am sorry to hear this
That sucks. Seems like this nasty disease is more prevalent today than ever before. The good news is that several players, like Anthony Rizzo, have successfully overcome this and he will be able to lean on them for support.
I wish Liam the best in fighting this.
The way info is shared and medical advances to detect things make it seem more prevalent. Also, there is a link between Hodgkins Lymphoma and the Mono Virus. Heptatitis C is also linked to Non Hodgkins Lymphoma
That’s a salient point. Add in social media, better disease identification, and information exchange, and it probably just seems like so many more cases.
Thank God so many good medical advances have been made. I’ve had multiple family members suffer from different types of this disease and Alzheimer’s as well. Hopefully, sooner or later a cure will be discovered/invented for both.
No, Cancer is WAY more prevalent today than anytime before. And that’s by design. There’s 2 big pharma Washington lobbyists for every one elected representative- ask yourself this question- what is their purpose and agenda ?
Want to do your part to prevent cancer from happening ? Educate yourself and Detox from heavy metals.
My father died from that in 1985. I’m sure the treatment options are much better now. I’ll be following his progress. Prayers for a quick recovery.
Sorry to hear about your father. Much of it depends on the stage. Early stage survivability is likely around 75% and decreases from there. While that indicates a high survivability if it’s stage 1, I certainly wouldn’t want to get a diagnosis knowing that it still could be 25% fatal. Being that Hendicks is an athlete, young, access to top-notch care, and likely having physicals and medical checkups much earlier than most people, let’s hope it was caught early stage. An athlete might notice the symptoms much earlier too as they workout.
Thoughts are with Hendricks and his family.
An older close family friend of mine has NHL. It was caught early in Stage 1 and he doesn’t even require treatment/medication, only routine monitoring. Docs at Memorial-Sloan Kettering in NYC say he’s more likely going to succumb to old age than before the cancer gets him. I speak to them regularly. It’s all about catching it early. Best wishes to the Hendricks family.
That’s interesting and good to hear. I didn’t realize there was a non-treatment approach for some. Sounds similar to some older men diagnosed with prostate cancer. They’re monitored, but there’s a better chance they’ll die from old age than cancer.
That was news to me too. They said he could’ve possibly had it unknowingly for decades.
Prayers for speedy recovery. I swear on everything I HATE cancer.
It’s taken too many, too soon.
All the best to Liam, I’m sure he will beat this!
He expects a full recovery. That is good.
I see your previous , incredibly tone deaf , comment was zapped so you decided to try to repent with something more appropriate. You only get 1 chance to make a first impression.
I reported my own comment since it wasn’t worth it. Also, he is expected to live and recover, so calm down. This is a baseball site, so it’s not out of the ordinary to ask about baseball. Chill out. Guys get injured all the time and live on.
absolutely brain dead
A little more serious than a typical injury
A liitle more serious than a typical injury
More of a timing thing than a content thing…had you posted it on a future thread or even further down ( way further ) it wouldn’t have come off as douchy. Not like he broke a finger he has a potentially fatal disease. Instead of waiting until you are called out for something then self reporting – perhaps rethink the tone of post before hitting enter.
Cancer is not an injury.
Just stop talking man. Enough
Also just as a general rule I like to leave their family out of it. Just seems a little creepy
here come the trade rumor police. try not telling people what to do like you are an authority figure
Okay white knight over here.
Non-Hodgkins ain’t the easier one. Godspeed to good health Mr. Hendriks.
Hendriks is such a great guy. Him and wife get involved in charities wherever they go. He’ll be back soon. I know he will. All the best to Liam.
Praying for you
You will beat this and win Liam! My thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Always terrible news to hear. Best wishes for a full recovery
My God. Life can come at you fast. Best wishes and speedy full recovery to this great competitor
This same cancer took my brother-in-law 12 years ago. Praying for Liam.
Psalm 118:5
I’m sorry to hear that, Lion. Psalm 103:2-4
Thanks Yank. God bless you Bro.
Thanks Clipper. God bless you.
Did not mean to reply twice. An edit button, please.
F*ck cancer
Stay strong, Liam.
:'(
Best of luck for a speedy and full recovery.
Wishing he and his family strength.
Wishing for a full recovery. Thoughts are with him and his family.
Life can change on a dime , sucks to read this , you’ve already overcome a lot in life by being strong , even tougher test now. We stand for you.
You got this, rooting for you to defeat this fast.
Prayers for Liam!
I was a great fan of his when he was a blue jay as that is my home team. What a lovely guy and I definitely wish him the best.
I am spiritual almost Buddhist but whichever God you think is the true God or even if you are atheist- let us all say a prayer to the baseball gods for Liam and his well-being
Amen.
Prayers for a speedy recovery Liam.
Kick it’s ass, mate!
Godspeed Liam. Cancer sucks no matter the form and would wish it on no one, not even my worst enemy. Many cancers are highly treatable especially if caught soon enough. I lost my wife 3 years ago to the same rare cancer that killed the former Kentucky OL coach John Schlarman 2: years ago.. I am sure John got the same prognosis that what my wife got, to give her the longest quality of life that they could as they had no curable treatment yet. Fight as hard as you can Liam. Prayers for strength not only for you but for your family too. Trust in your medical team do not fear 2nd opinions if even to confirm your medical team’s diagnosis and treatment regimen. A great oncologist would not ever be offended if you got another opinion as another set of eyes can see something that they missed or better yet confirm what they saw in their diagnosis. Again, Godspeed Liam.
Stories like this (that are all-too-common) are heartbreaking. My prayers for you and your family as well, Robert.
Thanks. It helps my psyche to talk about it. Met all kinds of patients and their families during all of the hours of time spent while in waiting areas for surgeries, tests, treatments, and appointments with the oncologists and surgeons. Talking definitely helps for,the patients and their families. Scary stuff even for extremely treatable forms as nothing is ever 100%. Prayer helps and works on many levels. I prayed that my wife could live with out suffering and be around for several family events that were,soon coming. College graduations at least one marriage for my 3 kids. Saw all three graduates with Bachelors, got to see one get into Dr. Of Physical Therapy school and get started on it, one get married one more get engaged. I rayed for strength and wisdom for myself to do and say the right things to support her the best I could. I prayed that she would not have a painful death. All of the things that I prayed for were answered. Thanks again for your kind words.
Robert, that’s amazing that you were able to create all those memories through the milestones of your kids’ lives with your beloved wife.
Prayer is amazing, and we are told to always do it – it’s awesome that you listened and were able to rejoice in the blessings of it! (1Thess 5:17; Col 4:2; Eph 6:18.) I fail at times, and stories like yours are so encouraging.
Thanks for sharing, Robert. May you have a wonderful ‘23!
May you have a great 23 as well!
We all fail at times YC. You have to get up and go on. God is great and prayer works.
Agree with the get up and go on. In my case I could have quit when my wife passed or get up and go on for my 3 kids and now one grandson. If I quit, my kids would be missing another parent and my grandson missing another grandparent. I chose to get up. Wanted to be strong for my kids and now grandson. Wanted to move forward. God is great and prayer does work and helps me ever day to keep on keeping on. 🙂
Robert,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know from what my sister went through 12 years ago that it’s a heart-wrenching ordeal.. I thank G-d that my Wife and I were there to help her. I don’t for an instant claim to know exactly how it feels to go through that, but we are not meant to go through those things alone. G-d’s plan, just like his love for us, is perfect. My best to you and yours, Sir.
My best to you and your family as well. Glad you and your wife were able to be there for your sister
Speedy recovery to Liam.
Prayers
Hope the BIRD’S don’t trade for him now!!! Yikes
Kind of an insensitive comment, don’t you think?
You have to have a brain to think. Obviously this guy is an idiot.
You were a refreshing addition to my team in 2021. I can’t wait to see you back on the hill at 35th & Shields. Sox fans are behind you all the way.
Prayers up and out- for you and your family Liam
May he make a full recovery! All prayers for you Liam. Forget all about the baseball. And pray for him. If Demar taught us anything. Praying and faith heals.
My prayers go out to this young man and his family. Hoping for the best for him.
Mario Lemieux had n non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In 1993, he’s still doing well today.
… prayers for him and his family
Get well Soon sir.
Heavenly Father-
I ask that you surround Liam in your loving & healing arms, give him & his wife, family & all that love him- Comfort,Hope and Peace that passes all understanding- Amen!!
Well wishes
Lord please look over Liam and his family during this time. We pray for a full recovery. God speed Hendriks. Mahalo
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Fight with the same ferocity you show on the field!
I’m sure I speak on behalf of the Australian baseball community and say good luck mate, you’ll kick a$$ and be back out there in no time
I’m sure I speak on behalf of the Australian baseball community and say good luck mate, you’ll kick it and be back out there in no time
Prayers to Hendricks and his family. I know he’s strong enough to pull through this. This is news you never want to see on here. He has our support on mlbtr
This just hit home for me.
If hitting home means you or someone close has Ben diagnosed as well, prayers for you and/ or the person diagnosed as well. Prayers for strength to all those close to you. close
Yes, it was a horrible time, REDACTED missed Christmas with me and was in the hospital with cancer 🙁
So sorry to hear. Prayers def out to you.
Best of luck to him. My dad started treatment for prostate cancer last week and seems to be doing well so far.
Best luck to your Dad!! Hope the treatment goes well.
Thank you so much. 🙂
God speed to your dad. And prayers for strength for you and your family to give him the best support that you can.
Thank you very much. 🙂
Your welcome very much!
Wishing the best for him and his family. I’ll be rooting for them!!
Very sad wishing the best for this young man and his family.
You can only hope they caught it early, and were not looking for it, rather than him already having symptoms. Wish him and his family the best, I’m sure his family is more scared than he is.
Best wishes for a full recovery Liam
Kick its butt, Liam. Fight that fight. All the best.
What is the treatment regimen fo NHL?
Phuq cancer. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 non Hodgkins at 58. It never goes away. With aggressive chemo she put it remission. Retired from working bc that stuff zaps all your energy. Liam is young and strong, and has all best wishes. I hope he come back full strength and shows the world what’s up. Dude seems like a great guy and I wouldn’t want to go rounds with him!
Screw cancer, Liam’s gonna grab that bull but the horns and shove it a new one.
thoughts and prayers for a speedy trade/ reliever signing
The White Sox are officially out of the gate in ’23.
Really a bummer though, as a Sox fan, Hendriks in the ninth has been something you could count on, the Sox are going to miss that.
I am almost a 12-year survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It often is treatable, and sometimes curable. But hoping that Hendricks gets treated quickly and that the side effects from the treatment are relatively minor.
Who takes over as closer now?
If you’re not counting on Crochet for long innings in relief, I’d give the ninth to Crochet.
Likely Graveman gets first shot since he did a nice job of it in Seattle. In meantime, everyone will pull for a young man to battle through this tough situation. Health beats money all day in life whether an athlete like this, Steve Jobs, etc.
Best to Liam in his treatment, his fight and his life. Oakland is where it all happened for him (Blue Jays?!) We love him here and pray for a full remission & recovery.
Side note: How the hell do you write a post and not say he is an Oakland A first-and-foremost? Jeez. The bias.